The Port of New London:
A Revolutionary Maritime Force
The Port of New London:
A Revolutionary Maritime Force
From its founding 1646, New London has been a force for maritime defense, commerce, shipbuilding and ingenuity.
New London Harbor played a significant role as a major port of Colonial merchant vessels before the American Revolution. During the Revolution, however, those same New London merchant vessels formed a bastion of Colonial defense, operating as privateers to harass and raid British vessels, seizing goods and military supplies. New London’s privateers were so successful that the British targeted the city for destruction, and on Sept. 6, 1781, the infamous traitor Benedict Arnold, originally from Norwich, returned to burn New London and its wharves.
This rich maritime history of shipbuilding, commerce, and port defense provided the foundation for a skilled labor pool that today builds the most sophisticated maritime defense system on earth – submarines of the U.S. Navy – and fills the ranks of the U.S. Coast Guard to protect our shores and mariners at sea.
New London is proud to share with you its role in the American Revolution as we all Celebrate America 250!
Ongoing Events & Attractions
Lyman Allyn Art Museum
America’s 250: Selections from the Collection
May 8 – September 27, 2026
What does it mean to be American? How can our past inform the present and shape the future? With objects from the Lyman Allyn’s collection, this installation explores American art, history, and identity at 250. Researched and curated by Connecticut College students led by Lyman Allyn curator Tanya Pohrt in AHI 293, spring 2026, this exhibition showcases art from the Revolutionary era to the present.
Thames River Heritage Park Water Taxi
The Park encompasses more than 30 historic and cultural sites on both sides of the Thames River, including two Revolutionary War-era forts, Ft. Trumbull in New London and Ft. Griswold in Groton. Colonial privateers docked along the wharves of New London attacked British merchant and military vessels, playing a vital role in the Revolution. Benedict Arnold, a native of nearby Norwich, returned to Connecticut on Sept. 6, 1781, to exact revenge on privateers and militiamen on both sides of the river. Explore the maritime history of the Port of New London through various tours aboard the Thames River Heritage Park Water Taxi
Uncovering New London – One Story at a Time
May 22 – October 11
(every Friday, Saturday, Sunday), 10 a.m.
Various tours available. Discover the people, places, and moments that shaped New London. Through guided walking tours, curated experiences, and thoughtful storytelling, we bring local history to life—one story at a time. Reservations required by calling 860-443-3786 or emailing
May
Women & Revolution – May 21, 7 – 8 p.m., New London County Historical Society, Shaw Mansion, 11 Blinman St., New London; Colonial women enjoyed many freedoms not found among their contemporaries living under English Common Law. Join our Executive Director, Steve Manuel, and our Program Manager, Megan Haines, as they discuss how women impacted the revolution, and how the revolution impacted women. Free to the public; no registration required; also available to stream LIVE on our YouTube Channel during the live lecture: https://www.youtube.com/@nlchs11
“The Ties That Bind: 300 Years of Hidden History of the Black Community in SE Conn.–Through The Lens of a Single Street Corner” – May 23, 2 p.m., Monument House Museum, Fort Griswold State Park; Presented by Historian Tom Schuch, Hosted by Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park Foundation
June
Revolution & Enslavement – June 18, 7 – 8 p.m., New London County Historical Society, Shaw Mansion, 11 Blinman St., New London; When America declared independence from England, slavery was legal in the colonies. In England, slavery was effectively abolished in 1772. Join us as Steve Manuel discusses how African Americans participated in the American Revolution. Free to the public; no registration required; also available to stream LIVE on our YouTube Channel during the live lecture: https://www.youtube.com/@nlchs11
The Declaration of Independence and the American Literary Tradition – June 27, 2 p.m., Monument House Museum, Fort Griswold State Park; Presented by Prof. Tom Couser, Hosted by Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park Foundation
July
July 4 Fireworks Cruise – Time, departure location TBD; see Thames River Heritage Park for updated information.
Celebrate New London – July 11, noon-9 p.m.; Street festival celebrating the City and America 250, live entertainment, family activities, gallery stroll, Artisan Village; Hosted by City of New London, New London Cultural District, New London Merchants and capped off with the Mashantucket Pequot Fireworks Extravaganza over the river.
Mashantucket Pequot Fireworks Extravaganza Fireworks Cruise – July 11; In conjunction with Celebrate New London; three Thames River Heritage Park Water Taxis will depart from Fort Trumbull State Park at 5 -minute intervals beginning at 8:25 p.m.; Hosted by Thames River Heritage Park
Road to Revolution – July 18, 3 p.m., departing from Thames Landing, Thames Street, Groton; In honor of the 250th Anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence, this 45-minute tour will focus on colonial life and trade along the Thames River, culminating with the 1781 Battle of New London and Groton Heights when Benedict Arnold led his traitorous raid on the local militia; Hosted by Thames River Heritage Park
Faith Trumbull Huntington: Beloved Governor’s daughter, cherished Army wife, a woman’s life that echoes mental health issues in colonial times – July 18, 2 p.m., Monument House Museum, Fort Griswold State Park; Presented by Pamela Hall, Hosted by Ft. Griswold Battlefield State Park Foundation
August
Road to Revolution – Aug. 8, 3 p.m., departing from Thames Landing, Thames Street, Groton; In honor of the 250th Anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence, this 45-minute tour will focus on colonial life and trade along the Thames River, culminating with the 1781 Battle of New London and Groton Heights when Benedict Arnold led his traitorous raid on the local militia; Hosted by Thames River Heritage Park
Revolution from the Pulpit – Aug. 8, 7 – 8 p.m., New London County Historical Society, Shaw Mansion, 11 Blinman St., New London; The sermon book of Reverend Ephraim Woodbridge, the husband of Mary Shaw, is one of the many items in our extensive collection. Join us as our Executive Director, Steve Manuel, discusses the impacts of Congregational Ministers’ sermons on the American Revolution. Free to the public; no registration required; also available to stream LIVE on our YouTube Channel during the live lecture: https://www.youtube.com/@nlchs11
Alamo of the Revolution – Aug. 29, 2 p.m., Monument House Museum, Fort Griswold State Park; Presented by Jerry Hurwitz, Hosted by Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park Foundation
September
Connecticut Maritime Heritage Festival – Sept. 12-13, a 3-day celebration of our ties to the sea held in the Port of New London. The 2026 Festival will be SEP 11-13. Join us for a free celebration! To learn more, visit ctmaritimefest.com.
The Burning of Benedict Arnold Festival – Sept. 12, 8 p.m. Bank Street, downtown New London, Hosted by Flock Theatre; Join the Parade of the Traitor from Bank Street to Discovery Pier on Waterfront Park where Benedict Arnold is burned in effigy.
The Revolution Along the Thames – Sept. 6, 12;15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., departing from Thames Landing, Thames Street, Groton; Historian and author Matthew Reardon will discuss ‘A Heroic but Doomed Defense: The Battle of New London, September 6, 1781,’ based on his book The Traitor’s Homecoming: Benedict Arnold’s Raid on New London, Connecticut, September 4-13, 1781. The discussion will cover certain aspects of the Connecticut patriot versus the Connecticut loyalist; Hosted by Thames River Heritage Park Water Taxi
245th Anniversary Commemoration of the Battle of Groton Heights – Sept. 6; A reenactment of the Sept. 6, 1781, battle between some 165 local militia led by colonel William Ledyard at Ft. Griswold and 800 British soldiers led by British commander Colonel Eyre under the command of Benedict Arnold. Arnold led another 900 soldiers into New London to burn the city and the wharves where Patriot Privateers had docked. Hosted by Ft. Griswold Battlefield State Park Foundation.
Road to Revolution – Sept. 12, 3 p.m., departing from Thames Landing, Thames Street, Groton; In honor of the 250th Anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence, this 45-minute tour will focus on colonial life and trade along the Thames River, culminating with the 1781 Battle of New London and Groton Heights when Benedict Arnold led his traitorous raid on the local militia; Hosted by Thames River Heritage Park
Benedict in Red: Why Arnold Turned Coat – Sept. 12, 3 – 4 p.m., New London County Historical Society, Shaw Mansion, 11 Blinman St., New London; Benedict Arnold was one of Washington’s favorites. On September 20th 1780, Arnold met with Major John Andre, and Arnold agreed to abandon his command. The next day the plot was uncovered and Arnold fled West Point. Join our Executive Director, Steve Manuel, as he examines the motivations and events which lead to his betrayal. Free to the public; no registration required; also available to stream LIVE on our YouTube Channel during the live lecture: https://www.youtube.com/@nlchs11
October
Indigenous People & The Revolution – Oct. 8, 7 – 8 p.m., New London County Historical Society, Shaw Mansion, 11 Blinman St., New London; The majority of Connecticut’s 600 indigenous soldiers were from the Mohegan tribe which resided in New London County. Please join our Executive Director, Steve Manuel, and Program Manager Megan Haines as they discuss how the indigenous peoples in southeastern Connecticut participated in the American Revolution. Free to the public; no registration required; also available to stream LIVE on our YouTube Channel during the live lecture: https://www.youtube.com/@nlchs11